Miri Mesika Releases Emotional New Rendition of 'Avinu Malkeinu' Prayer
As the High Holy Days approach, Israeli singer and actress Miri Mesika has released a special and moving rendition of the prayer "Avinu Malkeinu" (Our Father, Our King), a central prayer during this period. The performance was produced as part of an event initiated by the Ministry of Heritage, offering a contemporary and profound interpretation of the ancient text.
Mesika shared her deep connection to her Jewish and Israeli identity, stating, "Since I was a child, I have been very proud to be Jewish and Israeli. I thought it was a huge gift and a great privilege." She expressed dismay at the rise of antisemitic blood libels, comparing it to history's darkest periods. However, she emphasized that this complex reality only strengthens her Jewish and Israeli identity. "But it still feels like not only are we not running from our Jewish and Israeli identity, we are holding onto it even tighter," she said. Mesika noted that the prayer's words, "Have mercy on us and on our children and our infants," took on even greater significance for her after October 7th.
The musical arrangement was handled by Liad Greshka, with mixing by Uri Zach and mastering by Aran Lavi. The recording featured a band of prominent musicians, including Amit Moshe on drums, Eden Haddad on bass, Nitzan Alon and Keren Ettinger on guitars, Moran Meisels on keyboards, Michal Amar on percussion, and Ruth Zaga on flute.
The performance was filmed and recorded during an event initiated by the East Jerusalem Development Company, produced by FDD Productions, with David Fadida as the main producer. The promotional photos were taken by Aya Zach, and the cover art was designed by Mor Wazana.
Mesika concluded by sharing the song's message for the new year: "So for the new year, the full prayer, with a blessing for a good year, a year of light, peace, and security, may we know how to forgive, remain united and good to each other, and may this unity protect us from every enemy." The rendition is now available on all streaming platforms and Mesika's official YouTube channel, joining other recent moving performances by the artist.
